Most symmetrical, sensorimotor neuropathies caused by exposure to chemicals are indistinguishable from similar effects caused by systemic diseases such as alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, uremia, or B12 deficiency. The diagnosis of toxic polyneuropathy is usually made on the basis of symptoms following exposure to the chemical and the resolution of symptoms months to years after cessation of exposure. [LaDou, p. 428]
Chemicals that Can Cause Toxic Polyneuropathy:
C: Carbon disulfide;
L: Lead;
A: Arsenic, Acrylamide;
M: Mercury;
N: N-hexane;
O: Organophosphates (Ops);
T: Thallium;
E: Ethylene oxide;
Some Ops can Induce Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN). OPIDN usually occurs after ingestion, and is usually nonoccupational. [Levy, p. 431] Lead, n-hexane, and Ops tend to cause predominantly motor neuropathy, while the other agents produce sensorimotor neuropathy. [Rom, p. 640-55]

Disease/Syndrome

Category

Acute/Chronic

Synonyms

Comments

Most symmetrical, sensorimotor neuropathies caused by exposure to chemicals are indistinguishable from similar effects caused by systemic diseases such as alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, uremia, or B12 deficiency. The diagnosis of toxic polyneuropathy is usually made on the basis of symptoms following exposure to the chemical and the resolution of symptoms months to years after cessation of exposure. [LaDou, p. 428]
Chemicals that Can Cause Toxic Polyneuropathy:
C: Carbon disulfide;
L: Lead;
A: Arsenic, Acrylamide;
M: Mercury;
N: N-hexane;
O: Organophosphates (Ops);
T: Thallium;
E: Ethylene oxide;
Some Ops can Induce Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN). OPIDN usually occurs after ingestion, and is usually nonoccupational. [Levy, p. 431] Lead, n-hexane, and Ops tend to cause predominantly motor neuropathy, while the other agents produce sensorimotor neuropathy. [Rom, p. 640-55]